Hong Kong Airline Ready to Order 40 Boeing Planes

By John Gillie, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.

Dec. 20–A Hong Kong airline plans to announce a nearly $3 billion order today for 40 Boeing airliners, including 10 of The Boeing Co.’s revolutionary 787 Dreamliners, a Chinese newspaper says.

The South China Morning Post said CR Airways was poised to order 30 Boeing 737-800s and 10 787s. Those planes carry a list price of about $3 billion, though airlines often negotiate discounts.

The order is another victory for Boeing in its competition with Europe’s Airbus. Airbus has been trying to sell the airline its A320 and A350 aircraft.

CR Airways will reportedly use the new aircraft to expand service to China and other regional destinations.

Chicago-based Boeing continues to roll up new orders and commitments in its race with Airbus for supremacy in the airliner business. At the end of November, Boeing led the race, 827 to 687, in orders in 2005. Since the end of last month, both Boeing and Airbus have announced big new airline commitments — though formal orders are still being negotiated.

Boeing, for instance, beat Airbus for an order from Australia’s Qantas Airlines that could reach 115 aircraft if all options and commitments are exercised. Including CR Airways’ potential order, Boeing has won about 300 commitments for the 787, compared with 164 for Airbus’ rival A350.

The race for new 2005 orders won’t end just because the holidays are approaching. Several big orders from such airlines as Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa and Singapore airlines are still in the decision stage — though they might not be announced until 2006.

Boeing’s twin-engine 777 also has outsold its Airbus rival, the A350.

Boeing also recently announced it will build yet another version of its original jumbo. The 747-8 will feature fuel-efficient engines from the 787, a 787-style interior and the potential for new interior enhancements such as lounges and berths in space above the main cabin.

Though Boeing has garnered orders only for the freighter version of the 747-8 so far, the plane — some 25 seats larger than the 747-400 — is expected to cut into the market share for Airbus’ new superjumbo, A380. After a brisk start, orders for the A380 — which can seat up to 800 passengers in an all-coach version — have slowed to a trickle this year.

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